# survivor

/sɝˈvaɪvɝ/ (US) · /səvˈaɪvɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/survivor
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. after a disaster

noun · CEFR B2

a person who stays alive after a dangerous event like an accident, war, or natural disaster.

For teachers: an individual who remains alive following a specific traumatic event, disaster, or life-threatening situation.

- Rescue workers searched the collapsed building for any survivors of the earthquake.
- The charity provides long-term psychological support for survivors of the conflict, helping them reintegrate into peaceful society.

### 2. coping with hardship

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a person who is strong enough to deal with difficult situations in their life.

For teachers: a person who demonstrates resilience and the ability to endure or overcome significant personal hardship.

- She is a real survivor who managed to build a new life after losing her job and her home.
- Colleagues admired him as a survivor of the corporate restructuring, noting his ability to adapt to every management change.

## Examples

- The rescue team found one survivor in the wreckage.
- As a cancer survivor, she now spends her weekends volunteering at the local hospital to support new patients.
- The lone survivor of the shipwreck provided a harrowing account of the storm that had claimed the lives of his entire crew.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.